Family asks S.C. hunters to spare adopted deer

CHESTER (AP) - A South Carolina family is asking area hunters to spare their adopted seven-point buck named George.

Kena Lucas Funderburk posted the plea on Facebook on Monday, saying, "Please don't shoot the 7pt with the yellow tape around his antlers ... it's George!" Funderburk told The State her family adopted George in 2016 after his mother was killed by a car when he was just days old.

She said the family began leaving George outside by himself when he was about 6 months old. But he stayed by their property, and they provided food and shelter.

She said George wanders around the area but always returns home healthy. Funderburk said her family wants to ensure he comes home this season and that her plea has received positive feedback from area hunters.